2015 Under-14

Carnaross completed the League and Cup double when they produced an impressive second-half performance to see off the challenge of neighbours Moynalty in the Division 5 Cup decider.

The opening period was a tight affair throughout with three points in a row from Carnaross late in the half giving them a three point cushion at the break. The sides were level twice in the early stages when points from cousins Cormac & Shane Yore were both cancelled out by Moynalty. Carnaross edged in front with two points from Cormac Yore and Shane O’Reilly but once again Moynalty replied with two of their own. Then came the three points for Carnaross courtesy of Shane O’Reilly, Cormac Yore and Shane Yore. Both sides had goal chances in quick succession but saves from either keeper ensured they would both end the half with clean sheets. Moynalty converted a free late in the half but a well taken point from Cian Murphy left Carnaross with a 0-8 to 0-5 half-time lead.

Cormac Yore opened the second-half scoring with a free but Moynalty quickly levelled matters with a quickfire 1-1. However, the Carnaross response was immediate when Cormac Yore finished to the net in the next move to restore his side’s three point advantage. Carnaross upped their game from this point on and Shane O’Reilly added another point from play before Cormac Yore sailed through to net his second goal midway through the half. Moynalty reduced the margin with two points in a row and could have been closer but for some heroic defending from the Carnaross defence including a brilliant stop by keeper James Carpenter. Carnaross extended their lead once more with three points from Shane Yore (2) and Shane O’Reilly before a late Moynalty point brought an end to an entertaining game where all but four of the scores came from play.

It was a great team performance from Carnaross who were without Luke Gillic, Patrick Farnan and Darragh Boyce, but every player who lined out played their part in securing the silverware. After the game Jim Condra from Meath County Board presented the cup to Carnaross captain Shane Yore. In his speech Shane dedicated the win to his team mate Darragh Boyce who is recovering from a serious illness at the moment.

We extend our best wishes to Darragh and his family and hopefully he makes a speedy recovery. Well done also to his twin brother Hugh who played an important part in this victory. Carnaross GFC would also like to thank both Moynalty GFC and the Meath County Committee for agreeing to re-schedule the game due to Darragh taking ill, along with the well wishes they sent to the Boyce family.

Under-14 Division 5 League

Having trailed by eight points early in the second-half, Carnaross produced a Lazarus like comeback to beat Kilmainhamwood by eight points and claim the U14 League title.

Earlier in the competition both sides played out a draw so another exciting game was promised on a sunny evening in Moynalty. Kilmainhamwood opened the scoring with an early free but Carnaross settled quickly and hit back with two early frees from Cormac Yore. The game’s opening goal arrived after ten minutes when Cormac Yore found the net and a point from Darragh O’Reilly a minute later gave Carnaross a five point advantage. However, Kilmainhamwood fought back and went on to dominate the remainder of the half with some very impressive football. A converted penalty got them back into the game and they had 2-4 registered without reply before Carnaross got their next score from Shane Yore with five minutes remaining. Carnaross could have been further behind but keeper James Carpenter produced a fine double save to keep a Kilmainhamwood goal attempt out. The ‘Wood added two more late points to give them a six point advantage at the break, 2-7 to 1-4.

Kilmainhamwood quickly increased their advantage to eight points when they converted two free after the restart and things were beginning to look bleak for Carnaross. However, where most teams would have accepted their fate, the display from the Carnaross lads for the remainder of the game was top quality. When Cormac Yore took a long range free it deceived the Kilmainhamwood defence and luckily finished up in the net. This was the lucky break Carnaross needed and they went on to add two more points a minutes later from Shane O’Reilly and Shane Yore to reduce the margin to three. Further points from Daniel Roche and Darragh O’Reilly left a point in it before Kilmainhamwood hit back with another point. Kilmainhamwood were battling hard to retain their lead and the turning point came with ten minutes remaining when James Carpenter produced another good save in the Carnaross goal and when the ball went down the other end Cormac Yore found the net once more to finally edge Carnaross in front. Darragh O’Reilly pointed again before Cormac Yore added another 2-1 in the closing stages. A stunned Kilmainhamwood could only add another free while James Carpenter rounded off a fine performance with a late penalty save.

It was a well deserved victory for Carnaross who produced a fine team performance to rescue what seemed to be a lost cause. Kilmainhamwood will feel hard done by as the margin at the end was not a true reflection on their performance and only for some heroic defending by Carnaross at crucial times the outcome could have been entirely different.

After the game Carnaross Captain Sean Carpenter was presented with the cup by Jim Condra of Meath County Board.